4 Key Battles That Will Decide Huddersfield’s Encounter Against Crystal Palace This Saturday

Huddersfield welcome Crystal Palace to the John Smith’s Stadium this Saturday where the Terriers will be attempting to win their first game of the Premier League season.

Roy Hodgson’s Eagles will also be attempting to stop their own rot, as they have lost their last three games on the spin.

One side relies heavily on an organised, solid defence, whilst the other relies solely on one mercurial frontman, so it should be an enticing watch to see if Palace’s Wilfried Zaha can help his side prosper.

Let’s take a look at four key battles that will decide this Saturday’s Premier League clash…

4. Steve Mounie vs Martin Kelly

Whilst he is a very competent deputy at centre-back for the injured James Tomkins, Martin Kelly is not always the most convincing.

In Steve Mounie’s case, whilst he is not the most technical forward, he is very physical; Kelly may find it hard to pin him down and stop him bringing others into play.

Should the Benin forward be allowed to lay the ball off to his teammates in the final third, Palace could have a long afternoon ahead.

3. Max Meyer vs Aaron Mooy

The highly rated German arrived at Palace in the summer but is yet to start in the league as he has been building up his fitness.

However, after a few encouraging appearances from the bench and a two-week break to get fit, Meyer is expected to be in contention for a start.

His ability to carry the ball through the middle and spot a pass could be a danger for Huddersfield, so Australian international Aaron Mooy will need to keep an eye on the former Schalke man.

2. Rajiv van La Parra vs Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Since making his Palace debut at the back end of last season, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has dealt with the likes of Eden Hazard, Marcus Rashford and Alexis Sanchez with relative ease.

However, Huddersfield’s Rajiv van La Parra is an out and out winger who will most likely look to cause problems for the England Under-21 right-back, so it shall be interesting to see who comes out on top.

Given Wan-Bissaka’s frequent ventures forward, van La Parra may also have to his fair share of defending.

1. Wilfried Zaha vs Mathias Jørgensen

Having missed the 2-0 loss to Southampton with a groin injury, Palace’s main man is expected to make a comeback against Huddersfield, and boy do his side need him.

Palace looked devoid of ideas last time out without the Ivorian; he is their main source of creativity and attacking intent.

In Mathias Jorgensen’s case, with Zaha’s new role as a central striker, the Dane will be tasked with dealing with the elusive forward; whether or not he can nullify his effects could well decide the match.